Mayor Don Wesely, U.S. Representative Doug Bereuter and StarTran
officials today participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate
the completion of a $1.25 million expansion of the bus maintenance and
operations facility at StarTran headquarters, 710 "J" Street. Congressman
Bereuter worked to have $1 million for the project included in the November
1999 final federal appropriations measure. The city provided about $250,000
for the project.

"Without federal funding, many of these necessary projects could not be done,
and we appreciate Congresssman Bereuter's assistance with this expansion," said
Mayor Wesely. "This 14,000 square foot expansion provides more than additional
space - it also increases efficiency and safety for StarTran employees."

Transit Manager Larry Worth said buses were unable to be lifted for maintenance
in the old facility because of overhead clearance. He said sloping floors
prevented simple maintenance functions, and narrow stalls resulted in insufficient
work space around the buses.

Construction on the project began in November 2000. The expansion, which was built
in two phases, includes new larger repair bays with lift capabilities; level, safe
and more efficient service and cleaning areas; and an additional bus storage building
to improve efficiency and vehicle flow.